Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS)

About

Master of Library & Information Science

The MLIS program can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students. A variety of transcript designated concentrations and areas of specialization are available which give students the opportunity to customize their elective coursework and focus their studies on a special area of interest. We invite you to explore our MLIS degree options and encourage you to contact our academic advisors or faculty mentors for guidance.

Things to know…

ALA Accredited: Our MLIS program has been continuously accredited by ALA since 1976. This accreditation is important to you as a student as many Library and Information Centers only hire graduates of ALA accredited programs.

Online & Onsite: Our flexible program options include both online & onsite degree completion (with no residency requirement). Our online program is one of the longest running online MLIS programs in the nation.

Ranked as a top LIS Program: We’re also recognized among the top Library & Information Studies Programs in the nation on the U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Programs” list. Ranked as #14 LIS Program in the nation! SOIS is also recognized for excellence in several individual categories. Our Archives and Preservation specialty ranks #9 and our Digital Librarianship specialty ranks #12.

iSchool: We are a proud member of the iSchool consortium.

Highly Ranked Research: The SOIS faculty research productivity was ranked highly in two recent studies: SOIS faculty ranks 4th internationally and 2nd in the US/Canada in department contributions to library and information science (LIS) literature (2007 – 2012) as reported in a recent study in the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology by Walters & Wilder and we are ranked 10th in John M. Budd, “Productivity of U.S. LIS and ischool faculty,” October, 2015, in Library & Information Science Research.

In collaboration with several other academic units of UW-Milwaukee, SOIS offers students the opportunity to obtain two Master’s degrees concurrently—one in Library and Information Science (MLIS) and one in a subject area. For more details on these options, please visit our coordinated degree program page.

Note: the MLIS portion of the coordinated degrees can be completed fully online.

MLIS + School Media Certification

SOIS, along with the School of Education and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction offers a complete program to obtain certification as a school library media specialist. This program may be used to fulfill certification obligations in Wisconsin (1902 License) and other states. We have pathways to certification for students who currently hold a teaching certification as well as for students who wish to earn certification in school librarianship. School Media Certification program. Note: This program can be completed fully online.

MLIS Mission, Goals, Objectives and Learning Outcomes

(Adopted March 11, 2016)

Mission

The mission of the MLIS program is to educate the next generation of information professionals by offering a rigorous curriculum that fosters professional knowledge and skills, professional ethics, critical inquiry, and leadership to address the needs of a diverse and global information society.

Goals, Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Goal 1: To instill in the next generation of information professional a critical understanding of the philosophy, principles, culture, ethics and values of library and information science.

Objectives:

Provide a historical framework for the

Promote multiple perspectives regarding the philosophies, principles, cultures, ethics and values of the profession and their implications for services

Introduce and explore career options in information-related professions

Facilitate the development of student’s communication skills

Ensure that students have technological competence

Student learning outcomes:

Differentiate between important developments in library and information science and evaluate their current implications in the field (1.1, 2)

Describe and evaluate relevant aspects of the activities and goals of the profession as a whole and select sub-groups within the profession (1.2, 1.3, 1.4)

Assess the impact of important social and political issues on the profession and the role of the profession in society (1.1)

Analyze the policy statements and ethics of professional organizations (1.2)

Find resources to assist in the development of a professional presentation of one’s expertise (1.3, 1.4, 5)

Goal 2: To impart knowledge of the fundamentals of library and information science including user behaviors, information organization, access, and retrieval and the ability to apply that knowledge in a dynamic, technological information society.

Objectives:

Provide descriptive and analytical contexts related to the most central activities of the profession

Goal 4: To promote the role of library and information services in a diverse global society while addressing the needs of underserved populations.

Objectives:

Offer and promote library and information services to underserved groups, outreach opportunities for students to underserved communities, and networking with advocates for underserved groups

Encourage understanding of and involvement in international information issues through study abroad and student exchange programs, international visitors, and involvement of students in international projects

Integrate the theory and practice of library and information services in diverse settings, preparing students to serve a wide range of patrons

Student learning outcomes:

Identify best practices in meeting the information needs of a marginalized and/or a diverse population (4.1, 4.2, 4.3)

Identify, analyze and construct outreach programs to a specific population (4.1, 4.3)

Design information literacy programs to meet the needs of their patrons (4.1, 3)

Goal 5: To prepare professionals who are able to meet the needs of varied constituencies through the development of specializations in library and information science.

Objectives:

Maintain official (transcript-designated) concentrations that build on the School’s strengths and fulfill needs in the

Promote the growth of existing and new coordinated degree

Consult general as well as specialized lists of the ALA professional competencies in the process of curriculum

Student learning outcomes:

Identify core competency delineated by professional organization(s) relevant to their area(s) of interest(s) (5.1, 5.2, 3)

Curriculum

MLIS Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

The minimum degree requirement is 36 graduate credits, of which 30 credits must be in library and information science.

Do you currently have a master’s or doctorate?
Students who have already completed a master’s or doctorate in a field other than library and information science may have the library and information science master’s program reduced to 30 credits.

Minimum Grade Requirement

The minimum grade requirement for each of the required courses is “B” (not B-). If an MLIS student fails to meet this requirement, she/he is required to retake the course. Students may retake a failed course one time. Students are responsible for the tuition of the retaken course. Until the requirement is met, students who fail to meet this requirement, cannot take another course in which that course is a prerequisite. A student who fails to receive a “B” or higher after retaking a required course will be recommended to the Graduate School for academic dismissal. (Effective: Fall 2004).

Program Completion Time Frame

36 credit hour program
30 credit hour program

within 7 years of initial enrollment
within 5 years of initial enrollment

Culminating Experience Requirement

MLIS students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the field of library and information science by successfully completing with a grade of ‘B’ (not B-), INFOST 799 (591): Research Methods in Information Studies – the culminating experience for the MLIS program. (Effective Fall 2016)

Please note: Students who transfer in a research methods course from another university cannot use it as the culminating experience. They will need to successfully complete INFOST 799 (591): Research Methods in Information Studies or complete the thesis to meet the requirement for the culminating experience.

MLIS Thesis Option Guidelines

Thesis Coursework

Students choosing the thesis option must take 3 credits of thesis coursework (INFOST 898 Master’s Thesis) in addition to the 36 credits required for the MLIS degree; those who already have a graduate degree must complete a minimum of 33 credits.

Dual Degree Program Requirement
Students who choose the thesis option in the dual master’s degree programs also need to take an additional 3 credits of thesis coursework. Total degree credits vary among the dual master’s programs. The MLIS component of each requires 33 credits of SOIS coursework three of which would be taken as thesis credit. Students pursuing thesis options in both programs will be required to fulfill each program’s thesis requirement.

Research Methods Credit Requirement
Students in the thesis option also must take a minimum of three credits of research methods beyond INFOST 799 (591). In consultation with the major professor, more may be required by individual circumstances, but only the first three credits may count toward degree credit requirements.

Students must complete the 3 required courses in addition to the research methods requirement before defense of the thesis proposal can occur. Students must register for a variable credit thesis research course: INFOST 898, Master’s Thesis, 1-3 credits, during every semester of thesis work. No more than three credits of INFOST 898 may be counted towards the degree.

Declare Thesis Option Early!

Students may select the thesis option at any point in their course of study, but are encouraged to make this decision and form their thesis committee as early as possible to avoid the necessity of taking additional coursework.

Students must pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis.
The thesis defense may be repeated once.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork

The Fieldwork course (990) is designed to provide library and information science students with practical experience. In the Master’s program, the course is normally taken as the culminating educational activity prior to beginning a professional position. It is not intended for students who have had substantial previous work experience in libraries. An experienced student who desires or needs experience in a new type of librarianship might find this course to be particularly helpful. Postgraduates who are enrolled in the Certificate of Advanced Study program often enroll in the fieldwork course because they wish to change professional direction.

Fieldwork offers students an opportunity to test theory in practice, to work with people in everyday situations, and to relate materials to library experience. It can help bridge the gap between the classroom and the job. Students must have completed all required courses prior to registering for the fieldwork experience.

For further information on fieldwork and placement in libraries and information centers, contact the SOIS Graduate Advisors.

MLIS Program Resources

MLIS Advising & Mentoring

Students considering enrolling in the MLIS program are welcome to meet with one of the School’s Graduate Academic Advisors to discuss their questions and concerns. Once accepted by the School of Information Studies, students are expected to work closely with their advisors and their assigned faculty mentor to tailor a program that best suits their interests and career goals.

Faculty Mentors

At the time of admission to the master’s degree program, a faculty mentor will be assigned to each student. The letter of admission to the master’s degree program includes the name and contact information of the faculty mentor and an invitation to consult with him or her.

A faculty mentor can help the student choose appropriate courses and works with the student to plan a program of study, concentrating on courses that will strengthen the individual’s career goals.

Academic advisors can act as interim mentor during the first semester of the program.

Changing faculty mentors

Students may choose to change to a faculty mentor that more closely matches their area of interest and is willing to serve as their faculty mentor. Once agreed, the student should contact the SOIS Student Services Coordinator to record the change.

MLIS Computer Literacy Requirements

Computer Literacy Areas

SOIS assumes that incoming students possess a basic knowledge of information technologies. Instructors will assume the following on the first day of class unless otherwise stated:

A basic ability to create, edit, save, print, and manipulate document files with at least one common commercial word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or WordPerfect.

Information Retrieval

Ability to use an online library catalog and to search bibliographic databases commonly found in a library, e.g., InfoTrac, Academic Index, Wilson indexes, ProQuest, at a basic level.

Data Communications and Networking

Students should be able to send, receive, and print electronic mail messages. In addition, they should have a basic familiarity with access to tools such as the World Wide Web using a graphical or text-based browser.

Basic Software Troubleshooting

Ability to perform basic troubleshooting by using online help and by following instructions in standard manuals.

Resources

Students without the listed competencies may acquire them before the first semester of enrollment by any of several means:

MLIS Academic Policies & Procedures

Federal law and UWM policies mandate that programs and departments have procedures for graduate students to appeal academic decisions such as grades or scholastic standing. These procedures ensure the protection of students’ rights. The purpose of this page is to serve as a reference on procedures for graduate student academic appeals, academic misconduct appeal hearings, and requests for exceptions to SOIS policies.

Graduate Grievance/Grade Appeal Procedure

The SOIS Grievances and Appeals Process

Note: The first step towards resolution in any grievance or grade appeal is for the student to attempt to meet or contact the faculty member or instructor to resolve informally. This has to be done before considering further steps.

Any student in a SOIS course wishing to appeal a grade, or having a grievance, who have not succeeded to address the matter in step one, should contact the chair of the SGAC (The Student Grievance and Appeals Committee) for step two. The chair will then share the complaint with the SGAC committee. This can be done in person or by sending an email to sois-sgac@uwm.edu.

The process then proceeds as follows: The immediate focus is to activate the appropriate process(es).

Discrimination. Discriminatory behavior is prohibited by UWM’s Discriminatory Conduct Policy (see https://uwm.edu/hr/code-of-conduct/) and inconsistent with the SOIS Statement on Diversity. As such, SOIS takes all charges and complaints of discrimination very seriously. If any individual alleges an act of discrimination, the SGAC will report the matter to the Executive Committee and refer the matter to the EDS office (Office of Equity and Diversity Services). The SGAC will also notify the Doctoral Program Committee if the instructor is a doctoral student. The individual will also be encouraged to contact EDS directly. EDS will investigate whether discrimination took place and will, when appropriate, work with the department on implementing interim measures to prevent further incidents.

Accommodations. If a student has received a VISA (Verified Individual Services and Accommodations) from the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), the student should provide a physical or electronic copy of the VISA to the instructor. It is expected that the instructor will send the student an email acknowledgement stipulating how this accommodation request will be met. Such an email response will promote mutual understanding and clarify the details of the accommodation. If a student complains that the VISA accommodation has not been met, an SGAC member will reach out to ARC and the instructor and attempt to rectify the situation. If the instructor is unwilling to comply with accommodation, the matter will be treated as a behavioral issue (see below).

Behavioral Issues. Based on the University Code of Conduct (see https://uwm.edu/hr/code-of-conduct/) the following steps will be taken when a complaint is made regarding an instructor’s behavior (including teaching conduct and course management issues): The SGAC will inform the SOIS Executive Committee (EC) of the complaint. The SGAC will also notify the Doctoral Program Committee if the instructor is a doctoral student. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the EC will determine whether (i) the issue can be discussed and resolved with the instructor, or (ii) the issue requires a formal investigation. In the event of a formal investigation, the EC will determine the scope of the investigation and collaborate with the Dean in effecting the process. This may include putting safeguards in place to prevent further issues from arising during the investigation. Any resolution reached by the EC (regardless of the nature of the complaint) shall be noted in the department’s personnel “working file.” If a situation appears to warrant discipline, the EC or the Dean may refer the matter to the Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Committee (FRRC).

Grade Appeal. The instructor of record for a course has responsibility for evaluating student work in the class and assigning grades. Instructors and teaching assistants (TAs) also may interact with students in the classroom or in the advising process. On certain occasions, students may experience actions on the part of an instructor or TA assigned to the course that cause the student to consider filing a grievance or grade appeal. In that case,

(STEP 1) the student must first seek informal resolution by discussing the objection with the instructor. Many such situations arise as the result of misunderstanding or incomplete information, and the majority of situations in which students consider taking a formal action are resolved informally. If the situation involves a teaching assistant, the student first should discuss the situation with the TA. If the situation is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student should discuss the matter with the supervising instructor for the course. Efforts to reach an informal resolution should be initiated as soon as possible in light of the Step 2 deadlines set forth below.

(STEP 2) If the difficulty cannot be resolved informally, the student may initiate a formal appeal. To do so, the student must, within thirty (30) business days from the date of the action prompting the appeal or grievance, file a written statement of appeal with the chair of the SGAC or his/her designee. The statement should describe relevant facts surrounding the appeal and identify actions that will resolve the problem to the student’s satisfaction.

(STEP 3) In response to this statement, the SGAC Chair or designee will meet jointly or individually with the student and the instructor (including both the TA and the supervising instructor, if applicable) in an effort to resolve the problem and will prepare a written “mediation report” of the results of these mediation efforts. The meetings may be in person, by telephone, or any other appropriate interactive medium. The report will be given to both the student and the instructor(s), and both the statement of appeal and the mediation report will be retained in the School’s files. If a proposed resolution is agreeable, the student will be asked to indicate formally that the matter is resolved.

(STEP 4) If the proposed resolution is not acceptable to either the student or the instructor(s), or if no resolution has been proposed, then the process may continue to Step 4 through the following procedure: Either the student or the instructor(s) may request, within ten (10) working days of receiving a copy of the written mediation report, that the SGAC chair or designee take the appeal for a formal hearing by the SGAC. In such event, the SGAC will gather and consider all information it deems relevant and appropriate, afford the student and the instructor an opportunity to 20 present their cases, and produce a report recommending a course of action. The report will be given to both the student and the instructor(s), and a copy will be retained in the School’s files. If a proposed resolution is agreeable, the student and instructor(s) will be asked to indicate formally that the matter is resolved.

(STEP 5) If the proposed resolution set forth in Step 4 is not acceptable to either the student or the instructor(s), or if no resolution has been proposed, then the process may continue to Step 5 through the following procedure: The student or the instructor(s) may request, within ten (10)working days of receiving a copy of the written report from the SGAC, that the appeal/grievance be referred to SOIS’s Associate Dean for undergraduate students, and to the Associate Dean of the Graduate School for graduate students . If such a request is made, both the student and the instructor(s) will be informed that the decision arising from Step 5is final. The designated Associate Dean will review all documents utilized during the previous steps, as well as any other materials he/she deems relevant and appropriate. The Associate Dean will independently consider this information, afford the student and the instructor(s) an opportunity to present their cases, and decide on a course of action. Following evaluation at this level, the decision of the Associate Dean is final.

Failure by the student or instructor to meet any of the prescribed deadlines for an appeal to the next step terminates the appeal procedure.

Exemption from some of the courses required for the Master’s Degree on the basis of previous course work is considered at the time of admission. Students who intend to seek such exemptions should submit, at the time of application to the School of Information Studies, the “Course Exemption Request Form”. If the course exemption is not granted, students may appeal the decision to the Dean.

Exemption from required courses is automatic if the courses were taken for graduate credit at the UWM School of Information Studies within the last seven years with a grade of B or better. Courses taken at other institutions must have been completed within the three years prior to a student’s request for course exemption. Such exemptions will not result in any reduction of the number of hours required for the Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, but they may prevent unnecessary repetition of course experiences.

No more than 12 graduate credits may be transferred into a 30-credit UWM Master’s degree program and no more than 14 may be transferred into a 36-credit program.

All 12 or 14 credits transferred may be in the field of library and information science; however, a maximum of 6 graduate credits not in library and information science but within an approved allied area may be transferred at the time of admission.

After admission to the program, and in special circumstances, up to 6 graduate credits may be earned at other institutions and transferred for credit. Students must obtain approval from their faculty mentor for such transfers before enrolling in such courses. These 6 graduate credits are considered as part of the maximum 12 or 14 credits that may be transferred.

All courses considered for transfer must have been taken no more than 5 years before admission to the Master’s program at UWM.

Credits in library and information science courses are eligible for transfer only from ALA accredited programs. Exceptions to this rule will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Requests to the Graduate School for transfer of previous credits must be made at the time of application for admission. Students must obtain written approval of the transfer within one semester of admission.

Both SOIS and the Graduate School must approve the transfer of credits.

A student whose cumulative graduate grade point average in the MLIS program falls below 3.0 will receive an academic warning and will require a “Graduate Dean’s OK to Continue”. See the Graduate School Academic Policies & Procedures for details.

Careers

MLIS Job Titles & Employers

The MLIS program prepares graduates for careers within a traditional library setting as well as a new and emerging positions in various areas such as communications, marketing, business, technology services, and research. Examples of job titles and employers include:

Career Resources

SOIS offers a variety of career resources to help students prepare for success after graduation. Our dedicated career services advisor provides networking opportunities as well as resume, cover letter and interview preparation resources.It’s never too early to start preparing for your dream job!
Visit our Career Resources Page for more information>>

MLIS Program Assessment

The School of Information Studies, Master of Library & Information Science program has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association since 1976.

Admission

Master’s Degree Admission (MLIS)

The admission process for the Masters of Library & Information Science program is the same whether you are a full-time, part-time, on-site or online (including blended/hybrid) student. An applicant must meet all UWM Graduate School admission requirements in addition to the requirements of the School of Information Studies to be considered for the MLIS program.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Qualifications for all Applicants

A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from an approved accredited institution.

Evidence of English Proficiency

Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 (4.0 basis) are a minimum qualification of the UWM Graduate School. Note: A student whose undergraduate GPA is below 2.75 may be admitted if the applicant can furnish substantial evidence of capacity to do satisfactory graduate work. Such evidence might be proof of an advanced degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher high quality performance in postgraduate work; or a high score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

Two letters of recommendation from persons who can testify to the applicant’s likelihood of success in the master’s program in Library and Information Science. Reference letters from former teachers or employers are preferred.

Coordinated Degree Program Admission

Coordinated Degree Program applicants should follow the MLIS admission/application procedure. Students must indicate to which coordinated degree program they are applying to on both the SOIS and UWM Graduate School online application forms.

Students must be admitted to both programs to be considered a coordinated degree program candidate. Please refer to the application and admission requirements of each individual program.

Acceptance and enrollment in the MLIS program is not contingent upon acceptance/enrollment in a chosen coordinated degree program. If you wish to change your application to enroll in the MLIS program only, please contact the Graduate School Admissions office:gradschool@uwm.edu

English Proficiency
Students must meet the University’s English Proficiency Requirement. International students whose command of the English language is not sufficient for beginning graduate study in SOIS may be able to take advantage of UWM’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. ESL can be a full-time program preceding MLIS studies, or it can be a part-time program during the first semester of the Master’s program in Library and Information Science.

Non-Degree Candidate (NDC) Admission

This admission category (also referred to as Graduate Special) is used for the following:

To enroll in classes without pursuing a degree.

To prove your ability for success in graduate school when your overall GPA falls below the University admission requirements. (Note: NDC status does not guarantee admission to or enrollment in a graduate degree program).

It is possible to take graduate level credits as a NDC prior to admission to the MLIS program and have them count toward the degree. The limit to the number of such credits is 12. These credits must be approved by the UWM Graduate School and SOIS in order to be counted toward the degree.

What happens next?

After you have submitted all required application materials to both SOIS and the UWM Graduate School, the application is reviewed and you will receive a notification letter of the final admission decision by the Graduate School.